Why Nobody Cares About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
From Shiapedia
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma lawsuit cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma lawsuits that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free mesothelioma lawyer guide to know more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.
